(Mars 201906) A general cargo vessel in ballast was transiting the restricted waterways of a canal in darkness. The canal is traversed by many bridges and interrupted by locks.
Edited from official BSU (Germany) report 470/15
As is the custom in this area of the canal, the pilot was at the wheel, manoeuvring and conning the vessel, while the officer of the watch (OOW) and master were in a support role in the wheelhouse. The pilot was also responsible for VHF communications with vessel traffic services (VTS) and the bridge operators, which were conducted in the local language.
Approaching a Railway Lift Bridge
With a speed over ground (SOG) of 8 kt and the current astern, the pilot reported to the VTS that the vessel was approaching a railway lift bridge. As the vessel approached the bridge, the OOW worked the searchlight to illuminate forward.
The pilot called the bridge operator and understood that the vessel could pass the bridge as the next scheduled train was delayed. At about six cables to the bridge the vessel’s speed was reduced. In the darkness, it was not possible to make out the bridge signal lights because of the glare from bright background floodlights nearby.
Vessel Collides with Bridge
When the vessel was some 1.5 ship lengths away from the bridge, the bridge operator called to say the bridge was not raised and that the vessel must stop. Full astern pitch was immediately applied, but to no avail. The vessel collided with the bridge about one minute later.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found, among other things, that;
- Communication between the bridge operator and the pilot was informal. No clear information on the status of the bridge or of the vessel passage had been exchanged by either side.
- The duties of the pilot were too much for one person.
- The lighting and status of the bascule bridge (open or closed) was not to a reasonably safe standard.
Lessons Learned
- When in restricted waterways support the pilot by all possible means such as supplying a helmsman and using the radar to inform the pilot of distances and position.
- If the pilot is communicating with VTS, vessels or shore authorities in a language that is unknown to you, ask them to explain what was said.
MARS Reports
This is one of the January MARS Reports that are part of Report Number 315. A selection of this Report has also been published in SWZ|Maritime’s February issue.
Acknowledgement
Through the kind intermediary of The Nautical Institute we gratefully acknowledge sponsorship provided by:
American Bureau of Shipping, AR Brink & Associates, Britannia P&I Club, Cargill, Class NK, DNV, Gard, IHS Fairplay Safety at Sea International, International Institute of Marine Surveying, Lairdside Maritime Centre, London Offshore Consultants, MOL Tankship Management (Europe) Ltd, Noble Denton, North of England P&I Club, Sail Training International, Shipowners Club, The Marine Society and Sea Cadets, The Swedish Club, UK Hydrographic Office, West of England P&I Club
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